Janet Jackson denies that she delayed Michael's burial

Janet Jackson has contested a claim that she delayed the burial of her brother Michael. The allegations were made in a Vanity Fair article, serialising Randall Sullivan's book Untouchable: The Strange Life and Tragic Death of Michael Jackson.

Janet Jackson’s denial of the allegations was drafted by her lawyer and published on her website. It stated: "To falsely accuse Ms Jackson of holding up her brother's funeral over money is outrageous. Ms Jackson never delayed the funeral in any way. In fact, she paid for the funeral and was reimbursed for some of those expenses by Michael Jackson's estate in the year after the services took place. In addition, there were other private costs associated with Michael Jackson's passing that Ms Jackson incurred and for which she never sought reimbursement."

Janet Jackson has been involved in an extended dispute about the legitimacy of her brother’s will. Along with brother Randy and sister Rebbie she has criticised the executor of Michael’s estate.

"Since the loss of Michael, Janet, Randy, and Rebbie's principal concern has been and continues to be for the safety and well-being of Michael's children, their mother Katherine Jackson, and the entire family," she said in a statement. "Janet, Randy and Rebbie have questioned the validity of the will with no financial motive whatsoever and will continue to press forward in their search for the truth in order to carry out the wishes of their brother Michael.”

The continued fallout from Jackson’s untimely death looks likely to keep lawyers in business for years to come.